SMH: King-of-bright John Olsen reveals his dark and melancholy side

Media News

SMH: King-of-bright John Olsen reveals his dark and melancholy side

2021-06-21

by Danielle Neely

Article by John McDonald

The public Olsen is a great performer but occasionally, alone in the studio at night, a different persona emerges. John Olsen: Goya’s Dog is an exhibition originally conceived by the late Bill Wright, and followed through by National Art School director Steven Alderton.

The idea, as explained in a letter that Wright wrote to Olsen, was to look at the artist’s “introspective” paintings.

Image: John Olsen, Donde voy? Self-portraits in moments of doubt, 1989, oil on canvas (diptych), 183 x 366 cm, Private collection, Sydney

The National Art School acknowledges that for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and for many other Australians, January 26 is a day of sorrow — marking deep loss, as well as survival.

Across Australia today, communities are coming together to reflect, connect and mark the day respectfully. The National Art School is committed to listening, learning and moving forward together.

For information about events visit antar.org.au and https://whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/events/australia-day-sydney

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Jan 26

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The National Art School acknowledges that for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and for many other Australians, January 26 is a day of sorrow — marking deep loss, as well as survival.

Across Australia today, communities are coming together to reflect, connect and mark the day respectfully. The National Art School is committed to listening, learning and moving forward together.

For information about events visit antar.org.au and https://whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/events/australia-day-sydney

Thank you to all who joined us at last night’s opening.

SEARCHERS: Graffiti and Contemporary Art continues until 11 April.

Open Monday to Saturday, 11am–5pm.

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Jan 23

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Thank you to all who joined us at last night’s opening.

SEARCHERS: Graffiti and Contemporary Art continues until 11 April.

Open Monday to Saturday, 11am–5pm.

Opening tonight—SEARCHERS: Graffiti and Contemporary Art at the National Art School Gallery.

Curated by Fiona Lowry and Katrina Cashman, SEARCHERS brings together more than 35 artists spanning four decades to explore the intersection of contemporary art and graffiti culture, and the enduring impact of spray paint on both.

Featuring Ben Aitken, Howard Arkley, BAGL, BREAK, Andrew Browne, Daniel Crooks, Adam Cullen, Mikala Dwyer, Dale Frank, Shaun Gladwell, Brendan Huntley, Rhys John Kaye, Luke Kennedy, LAZY, Mim Libro, Fiona Lowry, Eddie Martin, MACH, Tony McGillick, Paul McNeil, TV Moore, Callum Morton, Tresor Murace, Sidney Nolan, POWER, Ben Quilty, Scott Redford, Reko Rennie, RUM, Leslie Rice, Joan Ross, Khaled Sabsabi, Tim Silver, SNAIL, SPICE, Bridget Stehli, Maya Stocks, Latai Taumoepeau and TAVEN

Join us from 6–9pm this evening to celebrate the opening of this major new exhibition, presented as part of @sydney_festival.

—
Installation view, SEARCHERS: Graffiti and Contemporary Art, 2026, photograph: Zan Wimberley

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Jan 22

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Opening tonight—SEARCHERS: Graffiti and Contemporary Art at the National Art School Gallery.

Curated by Fiona Lowry and Katrina Cashman, SEARCHERS brings together more than 35 artists spanning four decades to explore the intersection of contemporary art and graffiti culture, and the enduring impact of spray paint on both.

Featuring Ben Aitken, Howard Arkley, BAGL, BREAK, Andrew Browne, Daniel Crooks, Adam Cullen, Mikala Dwyer, Dale Frank, Shaun Gladwell, Brendan Huntley, Rhys John Kaye, Luke Kennedy, LAZY, Mim Libro, Fiona Lowry, Eddie Martin, MACH, Tony McGillick, Paul McNeil, TV Moore, Callum Morton, Tresor Murace, Sidney Nolan, POWER, Ben Quilty, Scott Redford, Reko Rennie, RUM, Leslie Rice, Joan Ross, Khaled Sabsabi, Tim Silver, SNAIL, SPICE, Bridget Stehli, Maya Stocks, Latai Taumoepeau and TAVEN

Join us from 6–9pm this evening to celebrate the opening of this major new exhibition, presented as part of @sydney_festival.

—
Installation view, SEARCHERS: Graffiti and Contemporary Art, 2026, photograph: Zan Wimberley

Now open: Art Club enrolments for students aged 15–17

Led by practicing artists, these weekly after-school workshops are designed to develop technical skills and foster a community of like-minded peers.

Book now for Term 1 🔗 in bio.

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Photos: Peter Morgan

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Jan 19

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Now open: Art Club enrolments for students aged 15–17

Led by practicing artists, these weekly after-school workshops are designed to develop technical skills and foster a community of like-minded peers.

Book now for Term 1 🔗 in bio.

—
Photos: Peter Morgan

SEARCHERS: Graffiti and Contemporary Art
17 January – 11 April 2026

Opening event: Thursday 22 January, 6–9pm

A major exhibition exploring the politics and poetics of spray

With Ben Aitken, Howard Arkley, BAGL, BREAK, Andrew Browne, Daniel Crooks, Adam Cullen, Mikala Dwyer, Dale Frank, Shaun Gladwell, Brendan Huntley, Rhys John Kaye, Luke Kennedy, LAZY, Mim Libro, Fiona Lowry, Eddie Martin, MACH, Tony McGillick, Paul McNeil, TV Moore, Callum Morton, Tresor Murace, Sidney Nolan, POWER, Ben Quilty, Scott Redford, Reko Rennie, RUM, Leslie Rice, Joan Ross, Khaled Sabsabi, Tim Silver, SNAIL, SPICE, Bridget Stehli, Maya Stocks, Latai Taumoepeau and TAVEN

Presented as part of @sydney_festival

—
Photography: @zanwimberley

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Jan 16

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SEARCHERS: Graffiti and Contemporary Art
17 January – 11 April 2026

Opening event: Thursday 22 January, 6–9pm

A major exhibition exploring the politics and poetics of spray

With Ben Aitken, Howard Arkley, BAGL, BREAK, Andrew Browne, Daniel Crooks, Adam Cullen, Mikala Dwyer, Dale Frank, Shaun Gladwell, Brendan Huntley, Rhys John Kaye, Luke Kennedy, LAZY, Mim Libro, Fiona Lowry, Eddie Martin, MACH, Tony McGillick, Paul McNeil, TV Moore, Callum Morton, Tresor Murace, Sidney Nolan, POWER, Ben Quilty, Scott Redford, Reko Rennie, RUM, Leslie Rice, Joan Ross, Khaled Sabsabi, Tim Silver, SNAIL, SPICE, Bridget Stehli, Maya Stocks, Latai Taumoepeau and TAVEN

Presented as part of @sydney_festival

—
Photography: @zanwimberley

Final call! This is your last chance to apply for our BFA degree for 2026.

Applications close 29 January.

Apply now 🔗 in bio.

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Jan 12

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SMH: King-of-bright John Olsen reveals his dark and melancholy side